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Activities

Dispersed Camping

Penrose Common Rec Site

Penrose Common Rec Site, near Canon City, Colorado, is a laid-back spot perfect for those looking to enjoy some dispersed camping. With a rugged charm, it offers a chance to unwind in nature, surrounded by stunning views of the Great American Desert.

This area is popular for its ATV trails, so expect some action during the day. Visitors have mentioned that the roads can be a bit rough, but if you take it slow, you’ll find plenty of spots to set up camp. As one camper noted, “Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle.”

Amenities are basic but functional, with pit toilets available at the entrance and no trash services, so be sure to pack out what you bring in. The open spaces provide a great view of the night sky, making it a fantastic place for stargazing. Campers have enjoyed the peacefulness of the area, with one stating, “The stars are beautiful at night.”

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat with a bit of adventure, Penrose Common Rec Site is a solid choice. Just remember to bring your own firewood and be prepared for a bit of dust and dirt along the way.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Penrose Commons Recreation Area offers a warm, arid climate among pinon and juniper woodlands. The best time to visit is September through May when temperatures are comfortable and the snowy peaks of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range are visible in the distance. With 30 miles of motorized trail, the area is popular for ATVs, motorcycles and four wheeling. Independence Trail system is known for its extreme 4x4 rock crawling opportunities with easy access for spectators to enjoy the trail activity. Penrose Commons is also popular for horseback riding, hunting and dispersed camping. The area has a restroom, trail map information and ample parking space for trailers. A wet weather gate closes the area to motorized use during wet conditions. For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.

Fee Info

No Fee but OHV permit/ registration is required. Out of state residents are required to retain a Non-resident registration.

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Location

Penrose Common Rec Site is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located: 10 miles east of Cañon City, Colorado, off of CO Hwy 115. From US Hwy 50 turn north on CO Hwy 115 at Penrose, drive 2.3 miles; turn west (left if coming from the south) on 3rd Street (CR 123, look for Brush Hollow reservoir sign), and drive for 0.3 miles; turn north (right) on E Street (CR 127) and drive 3 miles to the parking area.

Coordinates

38.49102086 N
105.03179028 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Penrose Common Rec Site needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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9 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 15, 2024

Great First stop in Colorado

We got in at about 10:00 pm with no problems at all, 2wd Truck. Found a beautiful spot to park up for the night before doing the Royal Gorge. Previous camper even left a nice pile of pinewood by the fire ring! Restrooms were available at entrance as well as a loves a couple few miles away for showers. Definitely coming back to this spot, seems reliable and plenty of friendly campers around to keep company👍🏽

SiteN/A
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Matthew W., June 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Matthew W., June 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Matthew W., June 15, 2024
Reviewed Apr. 29, 2023

Fairly busy area

Lots of ATV and people coming up to use the trail for those purposes. Large trucks and rigs can still make it fairly far up the road.

Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2023

Nice Spot

Nice, free campsites. Some of the roads are pretty rough. You can camp in the parking area near the toilets. There is a lot of 4x4 jeep and OHV action here. It’s very loud during the day.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Tyler S., January 8, 2023
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Tyler S., January 8, 2023
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Tyler S., January 8, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2022

Delightful af

Road in is rough, but manageable with a high clearance vehicle. Plenty of space to spread out. Popular with those ATV things. Pit toilet, no trash. Not many trees, but a great view of the surrounding area. T-mobile service was good enough to get some work and school done. Close enough to groceries and other stores. Love this spot.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Izzy T., July 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Izzy T., July 4, 2022
Reviewed May. 16, 2022

Total boondocking.

Dispersed camping on BLM land. Looks like some "permanent" residents out here. Dirty firepit and one trash pile encountered- cleaned these w/o much work, overall not much litter. Hot, dusty, cacti, cedar trees- kind of a cool Great American Desert experience. Pit toilets are present at the entrance.

Sitedispersed, no "sites"
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by David , May 16, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2021

Good for a few nights

Stayed here 2 nights and it was very quiet. There’s lots of trails in the area (OHV) but other than that, not much else to do. There is a clean vault toilet at the entrance, no trash services. Plenty of spots as you keep driving up the hill. It’s very Rocky but if you take it slow, shouldn’t have any issues. I didn’t in my van. Definitely some people living there full time but as a solo female, no concerns or issues during my stay! Definitely would stay again.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Abby M., October 15, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2021

Nothing special but it works

This was a solid campsite but nothing special. Bugs were horrid... not sure if it was just my site or what but they were awful. Very spread out sites which is nice. Some definite long termers.

To get away from the traffic of the main road take your first left when you get inside the area at the first Y you come to. There are several great sites as you make your way back past your first big right and big left by a canyon. Its pretty cool back there. I camped with my 20ft pop-up and it was great.

Again nothing special but a good place to get you down rhe road and only 40ish mins from Colorado Springs.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Ben , July 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Penrose Common Rec Site by Ben , July 12, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed May. 9, 2021

Not Fancy but...

Easy access and not too far out of Pueblo or Cañon City. We didn't venture much further than the gate at the latrine, but we saw people coming out so I can assume there are spots further in. It's dispersed camping, so not fancy but a great place to park our teardrop for the night.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Oct. 22, 2020

Very open and secluded. Only had a guy pass me on his dirt bike about 6 tim

The spot was down a dirt road for a while. When you get there you will see some bathrooms and open spaces. The first few spaces can easily fit a full sized camper trailer but after that I wouldn't suggest going too far. Mostly an open view of pikes peak and fields. Only animal I heard was some cows. It was a rather simple campground but quiet and far from people. The stars are beautiful at night.

SiteNot sure
Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Penrose Common Rec Site?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Penrose Common Rec Site, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Penrose Common Rec Site have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Penrose Common Rec Site does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Penrose Common Rec Site?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is good.